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Africa Bridge History and Barry Childs

Africa Bridge is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization established in 2000 by Barry Childs. In early 2000, Childs had the vision to gather leaders in Tanzania to develop an innovative and new approach to helping those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Between 2000 and 2001, Childs conducted over 70 interviews with Africans: children, people living with HIV/AIDS, health care workers, government officials, journalists, educators, consultants, non-governmental organizations, and members of the business community to assess the needs of African leaders in fighting HIV/AIDS.

The result was the creation of Africa Bridge’s mission and founding principles that continue to guide the organization today. Africa Bridge began its first project in the village of Idweli in Southwest Tanzania in the fall of 2002.

Since 2002, Africa Bridge has grown to become a largely volunteer-run organization based in both Oregon and Tanzania. We have several staff in Tanzania, most of whom are from the Mbeya region, and one paid staff and many hard working volunteers in Oregon.

©2009 Social Enterprises, Inc.